With the addition of Tarik Black, the Steelers are bringing in an undrafted receiver from the 2021 class. Black initially signed with the Indianapolis Colts following the 2021 NFL draft and spent the beginning of the season on their practice squad.
He made his NFL regular season debut after the New York Jets signed him to their practice squad in December 2021. Black appeared in the Jets’ final regular season game against the Buffalo Bills.
In that game, Black caught 1 pass for 10 yards on 2 targets, playing 19 snaps on offense and 2 on special teams.
Black has spent the past two seasons with the Jets and the Baltimore Ravens, frequently moving on and off the Ravens’ practice squad during the 2023 season.
In college, Black played three seasons at Michigan and one at Texas. Over his four-year collegiate career, he recorded 50 receptions for 747 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns.
Steelers’ Roman Wilson Exits With Ankle Injury
Wilson had looked impressive throughout Pittsburgh’s offseason workouts and early in training camp. However, The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo posted a video on X of the rookie being carted off the field during the July 30 practice.
DeFabo reported that Wilson suffered his ankle injury while running a jet sweep.
“Rookie WR Roman Wilson appeared to be injured on a jet sweep during seven shots,” wrote DeFabo.
The Steelers drafted Wilson in the third round, selecting him at No. 84 overall this past spring. With George Pickens being the only wideout on Pittsburgh’s roster with at least 210 receiving yards last season, high expectations were set for Wilson in the 2024 season.
While his injury might affect his availability at the start of the regular season, it doesn’t rule out his potential impact.
“The belief is he’ll be ready to start the season, but expect Wilson to ease back in, as expectations are high for the 3rd round national champ,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote on X.
Wilson registered 48 catches for 789 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior at Michigan last season. He scored in the College Football Playoff semifinals against Alabama and recorded 3 catches for 54 yards in the national championship game.
Without Wilson, veteran Van Jefferson and third-year wideout Calvin Austin III are likely candidates to emerge as the Steelers’ No. 2 receiver behind Pickens.
In addition to Black, the Steelers also have Quez Watkins, Scotty Miller, Jacob Copeland, Dez Fitzpatrick, Jaray Jenkins, and Deuce Watts on the roster to provide depth at wide receiver.
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